Int’l Forest Day: Kwara to Establish Law to Curb Deforestation

The Kwara State Government has said it would enact a law to curb indiscriminate falling of trees in the State.

The State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed made this known while flagging off tree planting activities in the State in commemoration of the International Day of Forest on Wednesday at the Government House, Ilorin.

He said the law would guide the activities of those engaged in charcoal business in the State.

Governor Ahmed disclosed that human activities were already degrading the environment as the level of deforestation across the State was appalling.

He also lamented the change in climate as a result of poor management of forestry and release of pollutants into the atmosphere.

Ahmed, therefore announced that his administration will adopt tree planting as a matter of policy and engage the State Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders to carry out mass tree planting across the state.

Earlier in his address, the Permanent secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Alhaji Amosa Isiaka Al-Amin disclosed that as part of activities to mark the International Forest Day, seedlings would be distributed to schools across the State to encourage tree planting among students.

He noted that as part of the State government’s Clean and Green advocacy, the Ministry will ensure that trees are planted along the Diamond Underpass at Geri-Alimi. He added that residents will also be encouraged to reserve one-third of land mass as green area.

The Permanent secretary further disclosed that the Ministry is partnering with a UK organization, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in supply of improved seedlings, which will be planted at Apata in Asa Local Government of the state.